Kamal Haasan to Karnataka: 'Cinema must remain a bridge between people'

Following a controversy over his recent remarks, Kamal Haasan today addressed a letter to the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce. Expressing his genuine affection for the legendary Dr. Rajkumar s family, the Vikram actor iterated that he didn't intend to diminish Kannada language in any manner. He spoke of Kannada's literary and cultural tradition that he has long admired. The Indian 2 actor added, Throughout my career, I have cherished the warmth and affection extended to me by the Kannada-speaking community, and I say this with a clear conscience and conviction: my love for the language is genuine, and I have great respect for the love that Kannadigas have for their mother tongue. He stated that cinema is a universal language that knows only love and bonding. My statement was also only to establish that bond and unity amongst all of us, Kamal wrote. The Vishwaroopam actor expressed his regret over Shiva Rajkumar having to go through such embarrassment on account of his recent utterance. He hoped that there is no animosity. Cinema must remain a bridge between people – never a wall that divides them. This was the intent of my statement and I never have been nor would ever want to give any room for public unrest and animosity, Kamal added. Thug Life will be released in theatres on June 5th . It is directed by Mani Ratnam. Also Read : Chiranjeevi congratulates Sekhar Kammula on 'fantastic milestone' Nagarjuna invites AP CM Chandrababu Naidu to Akhil-Zainab Wedding